William Michael Young

As Special Counsel with the firm, Michael Young’s practice focuses on civil litigation and real estate matters.

Michael’s litigation practice covers the gamut including contract interpretation and breach, commercial collection and judgment recovery, real and personal property security disputes, landlord/tenant claims, white-collar fraud, private and public construction works and defending Americans with Disabilities Act claims.

In addition, Michael often represents secured and unsecured creditors and in bankruptcy courts. He assists creditors with obtaining relief from the automatic stay, defending preference claims, bringing non-dischargeability actions against debtors, objecting to reorganization plans, filing administrative payment claims and arranging work-outs.

Michael also completed the National Institute for Trial Advocacy's Trial Advocacy Program, and has been rated “A/V” by Martindale-Hubbell since 1992.

Since 2013, Michael has been rated one of the “Top Lawyers in San Diego” per San Diego Magazine.

Michael tries, arbitrates, and mediates lawsuits in state and federal courts, including high-volume engagements.

Also, as for commercial transactions, Michael is well-versed in negotiating and drafting leases, and with selling real estate and businesses with and without lease assignments. He has documented many commercial loans secured by real and personal property, resolved title and survey issues, and formed entities such as corporations, limited liability companies, and partnerships.

Michael’s experience is broad and varied and includes the following:

Oversaw construction planning testimony for PUC hearings on building costs for the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station.
Defended lease claims arising from chain restaurant failures at multiple locations.
Handled an appeal in Oregon of a judgment finding a contract to make a will.
Defended automobile dealer in breach of contract action over sale of several dealerships.
Pursued embezzlement claims for a manufacturer against a mother and daughter, claims that received national television exposure.
Successfully prosecuted hundreds of adversary proceedings in bankruptcy to recover fraudulent conveyances.
Special litigation counsel to Washington, D.C. bankruptcy trustee in seeking a bequest to a bankrupt corporation also sought by two universities.
Assisted trade school in acquiring office building for new campus.
Handled sale of a mixed-use project including a car wash, retail space, liquor store, and residential apartments.
Represented bank in foreclosing and selling aluminum forging company.
Prepared condominium plan for a multi-building light manufacturing condominium project.
When not practicing law, he enjoys riding his bicycle about town and is an oft published photographer, specializing in maritime subjects.